Submitted By: Christopher Ramos
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Presentation By: Christopher Ramos
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Department: Information Technology
FORMAL TITLE:
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Purchase of physical security equipment from Morse Communications Inc., including digital cameras, building access controls, and alarms with an estimated expenditure $245,725
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
As presented in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Information Technology (IT) Capital Improvement Plan, the IT Department requests approval to purchase physical security equipment for various locations in the City of Ocala.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
During Fiscal Year 2024-25, physical security assessments and audits were conducted to identify gaps and deficiencies in the physical security controls established at key facilities and areas throughout the City of Ocala. Furthermore, previous security incidents at specific locations underscore the necessity for additional physical security controls.
Areas included:
• Replacement (various locations)
• Recreation and Parks
o Reilly Art Center
o Ocala Regional Sportsplex
o Jervey Gantt Park
o Scott Springs Park
• Water Resources
o WTP#1, WTP#2, Water Tower
• Ocala Golf Course
• Parking Garage #1
• Ocala Fiber Network
Implementing these additional physical security controls will significantly enhance the staff’s capacity to detect and/or prevent instances of unauthorized access, suspicious activities, or security threats that may occur at various City locations.
In January 2022, Morse Communications was approved to supply standardized equipment and software related to the City’s physical security infrastructure. Identification of certain information relating to the City’s critical infrastructure is confidential and exempt from disclosure under section 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution by section 119.0725, Florida Statutes. Disclosure of such information could facilitate unauthorized access to or unauthorized modification, disclosure, or destruction of Information Technology resources.
Morse Communications has extended to the City of Ocala a 'Most Favored Nations' pricing guarantee, thereby ensuring that the City has secured the most advantageous pricing available for the acquisition of this essential physical security equipment.
Staff recommends approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds of $245,725 for Fiscal Year 2025-26 have been budgeted in the appropriate physical security capital improvement project accounts with division code 214, in accordance with the adopted budget, within the respective department budgets.
IT Physical Security equipment purchases totaling $245,725 will be tracked under Munis Contract No.: ITS/251007
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
These goods were procured in compliance with the City’s Procurement Policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A. The Terms and Conditions in the City’s Purchase Order will govern this purchase. Any additional terms and conditions will be reviewed by the City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny